Using organizational rank to facilitate electronic communication

ABSTRACT

A system for electronic communications. Receiving a sender identifier and a recipient identifier. A first message is received from the sender identifier to send to the recipient identifier. Determining the relative ranking of the sender and the recipient. In response to determining that the recipient has a higher relative ranking than the sender, determining whether the first message contains an action item. In response to determining that the first message contains an action item, transmitting a second message to the sender. In response to receiving an indication from the sender to send the first message, sending the first message from the sender identifier to the recipient identifier.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to transferring data between computers ondemand, such as instant messaging, and more particularly, to allowingconfirmation of the transfer upon certain conditions in the data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Online chat applications are a popular medium of communication. Thesetools help users stay connected to each other and may promoteproductivity. Instant Messaging, in particular, has grown beyond itsoriginal niche of personal communications tool to a collaboration toolwithin business environments.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer programproduct, and system for electronic communications. A computer receives asender identifier and a recipient identifier. A first message isreceived from the sender identifier to send to the recipient identifier.A computer determines the relative ranking of the sender and therecipient. In response to determining that the recipient has a higherrelative ranking than the sender, the computer determines whether thefirst message contains an action item. In response to determining thatthe first message contains an action item, the computer transmits asecond message to the sender. In response to receiving an indicationfrom the sender to send the first message, the computer sends the firstmessage from the sender identifier to the recipient identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a social media environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a graphical user interface of a chat application,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flowchart depicting operational steps of chatapplication, on a user device within the social media environment ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flowchart depicting operational steps of a chatapplication, on user device within the social media environment of FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of internal and external components within thecomputing devices of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer,or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA), may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry inorder to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

In a setting where a chain of command is established, a quick flow ofinformation through the ranks may be required. Social media applicationsand websites, such as instant messaging (IM), Facebook.com, Twitter.comor WhatsApp utilize a quick flow of information between friends orcolleagues.

Use of such applications has grown tremendously in both scope andbenefit. Social media applications and email may be advantageous tobusiness communications by offering nearly instant exchange ofinformation. For example, in a business setting, a company may utilizesocial media and email as an alternative to more formal communications,such as memoranda or meetings. During the course of a day, IM usersinitiate and respond to numerous chat requests from individuals ofdifferent hierarchical ranking within their company. A user may receivea chat request from a subordinate and a supervisor within a very shorttime period. Due to this quick pace of interaction, a user may notdistinguish between the two displayed chat windows and inadvertentlysend a message intended for a peer or subordinate to a supervisor.

Another problem that may be faced by users interacting with members ofdifferent hierarchical rank is sending messages that may containspelling or grammar errors. Users may rely on spell checking software tocorrect their errors prior to sending chat communications to theirsupervisor. Unfortunately, spelling and grammar errors may be missed andunintentionally sent, due to the limitations of spell checking software.For example, a distinction between “it's” and “its” can be often omittedby spell checking software because both are correctly spelled but havedifferent uses. Such missed errors may be sent to individuals of ahigher hierarchical ranking than the sender, causing embarrassment andthe appearance of un-professionalism. It may be advantageous for socialmedia, chat and email applications to identify such errors and allow forcorrection prior to sending a message to an individual of higherhierarchical rank.

In an embodiment, a chat application may determine a user's relativehierarchical ranking within a company. The chat application may analyzethe content of a message entered by a user having a lower relativehierarchical ranking for specific action items. Such action items maybe, for example, specific words, phrases or even numerical values. Iffound, the chat application may prompt the user to review the messageprior to sending it. Allowing the user to review the message prior tosending may increase the chance of catching missed errors or informationfrom being sent to a higher ranked user.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of social media environment 199, inaccordance with embodiment of the invention. Social media environment199 includes user device 1 100, user device 2 101, enterprise server104, and social media server 106, all interconnected over network 103.Enterprise server 104 may include organizational hierarchical data 105which can be accessed by user device 1 100 through network 103. Userdevice 1 100 may connect to user device 2 101 via social media server106 over network 103.

Network 103 can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN) such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, and caninclude wired or wireless connections. In general, network 103 can beany combination of connections and protocols that will supportcommunications via various channels between user device 1 100, userdevice 2 101, enterprise server 104, and social media server 106, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Network 103 may form anytype of communication fabric, such as communication fabric 518 (FIG. 5),through which data is sent and received. One example of network 103 maybe company's intranet or the Internet.

Although the embodiments of the invention described herein are directedto a chat application, it will be appreciated by those of skill in theart that embodiments are not limited to chat, but instead can bepracticed with all forms of electronic communication including, but notlimited to, email, micro blogging, and social media.

Social media server 106 may be a web server that hosts socialnetworking, microblogging services, chat applications, or other forms ofelectronic communications; enabling user devices 1 100 and user device 2101 to send and receive electronic communications via a hostedelectronic communication application. While FIG. 1 illustrates a singlesocial media server 106, it is noted for clarity that multiple serversmay be used to implement the electronic communication. Social mediaserver 106 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a smart phone, or any programmable electronic device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Enterprise server 104 may be a web server configured to store data, andsend and receive electronic communications with other devices withinsocial media environment 199. While FIG. 1 illustrates a singleenterprise server 104, it is noted for clarity that multiple servers maybe used to implement the electronic communication and storage of data.Enterprise server 106 may also be a laptop computer, tablet computer,netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or any programmable electronicdevice capable of communicating with other devices, storing andtransmitting data, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, enterprise server 104 includesorganizational hierarchy data 105. Alternative embodiments of thepresent invention may store the organizational hierarchy data 105 onother devices shown in social media environment 199, including but notlimited to user device 1 100. As an example, chat extension 102 mayaccess organizational hierarchy data 105 by accessing storage devicelocated on user device 1 100.

Organizational hierarchy data 105 may contain organizational data filesor organizational titles of a business entity, or institution of membersto be ranked. Such data files may hold information which may be used todetermine the relative ranking of users within a group. For example, theinformation may include the reporting relationships of all companyemployees. The relative ranking of users may be determined, for example,based on the users' direct reporting relationship in the same reportingchain, i.e., one user reports to the other, or the number of managementlevels to a common manager. For example, if the two users do not reportto the same manager, but their managers ultimately report to the samevice president, relative ranking may be determined by comparing thenumber of reporting levels for each user up to the vice president. Ifone user has fewer reporting levels up to the vice president than theother user, the first user will have higher organizational hierarchicalranking.

Enterprise server 104 may determine relative ranking upon receivingusers' identifiers and running an application to access organizationalhierarchy data 105. After relative ranking is determined it transmitsthe information to the requestor.

In one embodiment, user device 1 100 includes chat application 107,which may include chat extension 102. Chat application 107 may be a setof communications technologies used for text-based communication betweentwo or more users. One example of such communication may be an instantmessaging application in which users receive and transmit messages viathe Internet, company intranet or other network. Instant messagingcommunication may be transmitted in near real-time between users, wherechat messages can resemble an ongoing “conversation”. In an exemplaryembodiment, chat application 107 transmits messages via network 103 tosocial media server 106. Social media server 106 resolves the networkname and location of the recipient of the message, which is thentransmitted to user device 2 101. In various embodiments, user device 1100 may include, but is not limited to, email applications, social mediaapplications, web based communication technology or mobile instantmessaging.

At initiation of chat communication, chat extension 102 intercepts themessage before chat application 107 transmits it to receiving user on areceiving device, such as user device 1 101. Chat extension 102transmits sending and receiving users' identifiers to enterprise server104. Chat extension 102 then receives users' ranking from enterpriseserver 104. If the relative ranking of the sending user is higher thanor equal to the ranking of the receiving user, chat extension 102 allowsthe chat session to be established by chat application 107. If therelative ranking of the sending user is lower than the ranking of thereceiving user, chat extension 102 analyzes the chat message for actionitems. If action items are found, chat extension 102 presents aneditable version of the message and allows the sending user to revisethe chat message prior to sending.

A sending user may start a chat communication on user device 1 100 witha receiving user on user device 2 101 by initiating a chat message. Forexample, such message can be initiated by pressing a “Send” button orselecting a receiving user from a user list.

In alternative embodiments, chat extension 102 may display anotification to the sending user after determining the receiving user isof higher ranking. Such message may be displayed prior to analyzing amessage for predetermined action items, in order to notify sending userof the difference in ranking before initiation of a message.

If action items are found within message, chat extension 102 may allowthe sending user to review the corresponding message. An example of anaction items may be predefined numeric values, specific words or phrasessuch as; “its”, “it's” or “I can't”. These action items may be set by anindividual user of a group or by a business entity. Such predefinedaction items may be used to enforce or monitor a company's policy orprevent mistakes from being assimilated within the company. For example,a business organization may want to prevent employees from sharing salesfigures with management prior to confirmation or review. This policy canbe facilitated by setting all numeric values in a message as actionitems. Lower ranking employees may still send messages containingnumeric value entries, such as phone numbers or addresses afterreviewing the message but are reminded of the business policy. In oneembodiment, chat extension 102 may notify a third party such as asender's direct manager of a message containing numerical values orother action items.

Chat application 107 transmits the analyzed chat message via network 103to the receiving user on, for example, user device 2 101.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a graphical user interface of a chat applicationindicating existence of action items in a message to a user of higherranking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Insome embodiments, chat extension 102 may display action item message 214within chat window 210. If action items are present in the chat message215, pressing the “Send” button 213 may display action item message 214.Chat extension 102 allows the user to make a revision of the chatmassage prior to sending it. Chat extension 102 may also displaydescriptive information corresponding to the found action items. Actionitem message 214 may be dismissed without altering any action items inthe chat message 215 by pressing the “X” button 212 in the “Attention”message of chat window 210. Chat message 215 may be revised to excludethe action items or sent by pressing “Send” button 213.

In alternative embodiments, chat extension 102 may display a receivinguser's higher ranking message 203 within chat window 200. Pressing“Send” button 204, displays higher ranking message 203. Higher rankingmessage 203 displays information of higher ranking and may be dismissedby pressing the “X” button 202 in “Attention” message of chat window200.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flowchart depicting operational steps of chatapplication, on a user device within the social media environment ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thisexemplary embodiment depicts sending a message from a sending user to areceiving user located on another user device.

Chat application 107 on user device 1 100 receives a chat messageinitialization request from a sending user (step 301). This may occurwhen the “Send” button 204 is pressed or a receiving user is selectedfrom a user list. Chat extension 102, transmits a request containing thesending and receiving users' identifiers, such as “user id”, to theenterprise server 104 (step 302). Chat extension 102 receives thesending and receiving users' ranking from the enterprise server 104(step 303). In alternative embodiments of the invention, organizationalhierarchy data 105 may be accessed from a number of devices, includingbut not limited to a user device 1 100.

Chat application 107 receives a sending user's request to transmit amessage to a receiving user (step 304). Such request may be initiated byclicking a “Send” button 204, pressing a key on smart telephone devicewhich transmits a signal to send a message, or a receiving user isselected from a user list.

Chat extension 102 intercepts the chat message before chat application107 sends it, and determines whether the receiving user is of higherranking than the sending user based on the relative ranking informationreceived from the enterprise server 104 (decision step 305).

If chat extension 102 determines that the receiving user is of higherranking (decision step 305, “Yes” branch), chat extension 102 analyzesthe message for action items (decision step 306).

If chat extension 102 determines that the message contains action items(decision 306, “Yes” branch), it allows the sending user to revise thechat message (step 307). For example, it may display a message showingall found action items, or underlines the action items in the body ofthe message. In one embodiment, chat extension 102 may notify a thirdparty such as a sender's direct manager about a message containingnumerical values or other action items.

If chat extension 102 determines that the message contains no actionitems (decision 306, “No” branch), the message is sent to a user device2 101 via, for example, network 103 (step 308).

In response to finding the receiver of lower or equal ranking (decision305, “No” branch), message is sent from a user device 100 via network103 to social media server 106 (step 308). Social media server 106 maythen send the message through the network 103 to a receiving user on auser device 2 101.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flowchart depicting operational steps of chatapplication, on a user device within the social media environment ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thisexemplary embodiment depicts receiving a message from a sending userlocated on another user device.

Chat application 107 on user device 1 100 receives an incoming chatsession request from a sending user (step 401). This may occur when amessage is sent to a receiving user. For example, a sending user mayinitiate a chat application by selecting the receiving users name from auser list contained on chat application 107, writing a message andclicking the “Send” button 213.

Chat application 107 receives a request to initiate a response message(step 402). Such request may be initiated by typing text in message textbox 215 and clicking the “Send” button 213, pressing a key on a smarttelephone device which transmits a signal to send a message or selectinga receiving user from a user list.

Chat extension 102 intercepts the chat message before chat application107 sends it, and transmits a request containing a sending and areceiving users' identifiers to the enterprise server 104 (step 403).Chat extension 102 receives a sending and a receiving users' rankingfrom the enterprise server 104 (step 404) and determines a sending and areceiving users' ranking based on the relative ranking informationreceived from the enterprise server 104 (decision step 405).

In alternative embodiments of the invention, organizational hierarchydata 105 may be accessed from a number of devices, including but notlimited to user device 1 100.

If chat extension 102 determines that the receiving user is of higherranking (decision step 405, “Yes” branch), chat extension 102 analyzesthe message for action items (decision step 406).

If chat extension 102 determines that the message contains action items(decision 406, “Yes” branch), it allows the sending user to revise thechat message (step 407). For example, it may display a message showingall action items, or underline the action items in the body of themessage. In one embodiment, chat extension 102 may notify a third partysuch as a sender's direct manager of a message containing numericalvalues or other action items.

If chat extension 102 determines that the message contains no actionitems (decision 406, “No” branch), the message is sent to user device 2101 via, for example, network 103 (step 408).

In response to finding the receiver of lower or equal ranking (decision405, “No” branch), a message is sent from user device 100 via network103 to social media server 106 (step 408). Social media server 106 maythen send the message through the network 103 to a receiving user onuser device 2 101.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of components of user device 1 100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that FIG. 5 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Manymodifications to the depicted environment may be made.

One or more operating systems 510, chat extension 102, chat application107 are stored on one or more of the computer-readable tangible storagedevices 508 for execution by one or more of the processors 502 via oneor more of the respective RAMs 504 (which typically include cachememory). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the computer-readabletangible storage devices 508 can be a magnetic disk storage device of aninternal hard drive, CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magneticdisk, optical disk, a semiconductor storage device such as RAM, ROM,EPROM, flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storagedevice that can store a computer program and digital information.

User device 1 100 and user device 2 101 can also include a R/W drive orinterface 514 to read from and write to one or more portablecomputer-readable tangible storage devices 526. Chat extension 102 ofuser device 1 100 can be stored on one or more of the portablecomputer-readable tangible storage devices 526, read via the respectiveR/W drive or interface 514 and loaded into the respectivecomputer-readable tangible storage device 508.

User device 1 100 and user device 2 101 can also include a networkadapter or interface 516, such as a TCP/IP adapter card or wirelesscommunication adapter (such as a 4G wireless communication adapter usingOFDMA technology). Chat extension 102 on user device 1 100 can bedownloaded to the computing device from an external computer or externalstorage device via a network (for example, the Internet, a local areanetwork or other, wide area network or wireless network) and networkadapter or interface 516. From the network adapter or interface 516, theprograms are loaded into the computer-readable tangible storage device508. The network may comprise copper wires, optical fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers.

User device 1 100 and user device 2 101 can also include a displayscreen 520, a keyboard or keypad 522, and a computer mouse or touchpad524. Device drivers 512 interface to display screen 520 for imaging, tokeyboard or keypad 522, to computer mouse or touchpad 524, and/or todisplay screen 520 for pressure sensing of alphanumeric character entryand user selections. The device drivers 512, R/W drive or interface 514and network adapter or interface 516 can comprise hardware and software(stored in computer-readable tangible storage device 508 and/or ROM506).

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described inthe context of an instant messaging system, those of skill in the artwill recognize that the inventive concepts disclosed may be applied toother electronic communications applications. For example, an embodimentmay be implemented in a Facebook environment. In this implementation,relative ranking between a poster and other “friends” may be determined,for example, by the amount of “friends” user is connected with or theamount of “likes” a user receives. The messages monitored may bepostings to a friend's wall, comments on a friend's pictures or FacebookMessages. Relative ranking may also be decided based on the users' age,familial relationship or education level attained. In one embodiment, anotification can be sent to a third party, such as a manager. Thefunctionality to determine relative ranking may be assigned, forexample, at the Facebook server, and the functionality to monitor aposter's messages may be implemented at the poster's computing device.

Another embodiment may be implemented in a Twitter environment. In thisimplementation, a relative ranking between a poster and “followers” maybe determined, for example, by the amount of reposts of the user's postor comments on the post. The messages monitored may be comments on afollowed user's post or pictures. The functionality to determinerelative ranking may be implemented, for example, at the Twitter server,and the functionality to monitor a follower's messages may beimplemented at the poster's computing device.

Another embodiment may be implemented in e-mail environment. In thisimplementation, a relative ranking between a sending user and areceiving user may be determined, for example, by organizationalhierarchy data. Organizational hierarchy data may contain organizationaldata files of a business, or institution of members to be ranked. Suchdata files may hold information which may be used to determine therelative ranking of users within a group. The messages monitored may beemail messages sent to a user of a higher ranking. The functionality tomonitor a sending user's message may be implemented at the sendinguser's computing device.

Another embodiment may be implemented in mobile messaging environmentlike WhatsApp. In this implementation, a relative ranking between asending user and a receiving user may be determined, for example, byorganizational hierarchy data. Organizational hierarchy data may containorganizational data files of a business, or institution of members to beranked. Such data files may hold information which may be used todetermine the relative ranking of users within a group. Relative rankingmay also be assigned based on the users' age or familial relationship.In one embodiment, a notification can be sent to a third party, such asa manager. The messages monitored may be chat messages sent to a user ofa higher ranking. The functionality to monitor a sending user's messagemay be implemented at the sending user's computing device. Alltrademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described indetail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant artthat various modifications, additions, substitutions and the like can bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these are,therefore, considered to be within the scope of the invention, asdefined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for electronic communications, themethod comprising: receiving, by a computer, a sender identifier and arecipient identifier; receiving, by the computer, a first message fromthe sender identifier to send to the recipient identifier; determining,by the computer, a relative ranking of the sender and the recipient; inresponse to determining, by the computer, that the recipient has ahigher relative ranking than the sender, determining, by the computer,whether the first message contains an action item; in response todetermining, by the computer, that the first message contains an actionitem, transmitting a second message to the sender; and in response toreceiving, by the computer, an indication from the sender to send thefirst message, sending, by the computer, the first message from thesender identifier to the recipient identifier.
 2. A method in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the relative ranking is determined, based on oneor more of: a number of organizational reporting levels between therecipient and the sender; a difference in a number of reporting levelsbetween a common manager of the sender and the recipient; a differencein a number of social media network connections between the sender andthe recipient; organizational titles of the recipient and sender; levelof education attained by the recipient and sender; and rankings assignedby an entity to the sender and recipient.
 3. A method in accordance withclaim 1, wherein an action item is one or more of: a spelling mistake; anumerical value; and a predefined word or phrase.
 4. A method inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the second message to sender includesone or more of: an indicator of the relative ranking of the sender andthe recipient; descriptive information corresponding to the action item;an editable version of the first message.
 5. A method in accordance withclaim 1, further comprising receiving, by the computer, revisions to thefirst message by the sender.
 6. A method in accordance with claim 1,further comprising sending a third message to a third party.
 7. Acomputer program product for electronic communications, the computerprogram product comprising: one or more computer readable storage mediaand program instructions stored on the one or more computer readablestorage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructionsto receive, by a computer, a sender identifier and a recipientidentifier; program instructions to receive, by the computer, a firstmessage from the sender identifier to send to the recipient identifier;program instructions to determine, by the computer, the relative rankingof the sender and the recipient; program instructions, in response todetermining, by the computer, that the recipient has a higher relativeranking than the sender, to determine, by the computer, whether thefirst message contains an action item; program instructions, in responseto determining, by the computer, that the first message contains anaction item, to transmit a second message to the sender; and programinstructions, in response to receiving, by the computer, an indicationfrom the sender to send the first message, to send, by the computer, thefirst message from the sender identifier to the recipient identifier. 8.A computer program product in accordance with claim 7, wherein therelative ranking is determined, based on one or more of: a number oforganizational reporting levels between the recipient and the sender; adifference in a number of reporting levels between a common manager ofthe sender and the recipient; a difference in a number of social medianetwork connections between the sender and the recipient; organizationaltitles of the recipient and sender; level of education attained by therecipient and sender; and rankings assigned by an entity to the senderand recipient.
 9. A computer program product in accordance with claim 7,wherein an action item is one or more of: a spelling mistake; anumerical value; and a predefined word or phrase.
 10. A computer programproduct in accordance with claim 7, wherein the second message includesone or more of: an indicator of the relative ranking of the sender andthe recipient; descriptive information corresponding to the action item;an editable version of the first message.
 11. A computer program productin accordance with claim 7, further comprising receiving, by thecomputer, revisions to the first message by the sender.
 12. A computerprogram product in accordance with claim 7, further comprising sending athird message to a third party.
 13. A computer system for electroniccommunications, the computer system comprising: one or more computerprocessors; one or more computer readable storage media; programinstructions stored on the computer readable storage media for executionby at least one of the one or more processors, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to receive, by a computer, a senderidentifier and a recipient identifier; program instructions to receive,by the computer, a first message from the sender identifier to send tothe recipient identifier; program instructions to determine, by thecomputer, the relative ranking of the sender and the recipient; programinstructions, in response to determining, by the computer, that therecipient has a higher relative ranking than the sender, to determine,by the computer, whether the first message contains an action item;program instructions, in response to determining, by the computer, thatthe first message contains an action item, to transmit a second messageto the sender; and program instructions, in response to receiving, bythe computer, an indication from the sender to send the first message,to send, by the computer, the first message from the sender identifierto the recipient identifier.
 14. A computer system in accordance withclaim 13, wherein the relative ranking is determined, based on one ormore of: a number of organizational reporting levels between therecipient and the sender; a difference in a number of reporting levelsbetween a common manager of the sender and the recipient; a differencein a number of social media network connections between the sender andthe recipient; organizational titles of the recipient and sender; levelof education attained by the recipient and sender; and rankings assignedby an entity to the sender and recipient.
 15. A computer system inaccordance with claim 13, wherein an action item is one or more of: aspelling mistake; a numerical value; and a predefined word or phrase.16. A computer system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the secondmessage includes one or more of: an indicator of the relative ranking ofthe sender and the recipient; descriptive information corresponding tothe action item; an editable version of the first message.
 17. Acomputer system in accordance with claim 13, further comprisingreceiving, by the computer, revisions to the first message by thesender.
 18. A computer system in accordance with claim 13, furthercomprising sending a third message to a third party.